I come from a small village. Unlike the buzzing environment of the cities that I have lived in for the past decade of my life, it had a serene atmosphere. Life used to move at a slower pace which provided me with ample time to indulge in its fascinating trivialities. I used to run in the fields, climb trees and, when I had nothing to do, I used to spend my time lying on my hammock and swinging with the gentle breeze that blew rhythmically. Lost in the music of nature, sometimes I used to be woken up by my cousins who used to knock me off my dreamy perch. Procuring a seat on the hammock was a luxury and everyone wanted a piece of it.

One day when I came back from my office all tired and weary, I wondered where all those good days had gone. Without thinking twice, I decided to turn back the clock, and I created a cruder version of the hammock and tied it securely to the strongest trees in my garden. However, I found immediately that it was unable to support my immense weight, and so the hammock was completely destroyed and I was sent plummeting into a bed of nettles. They cushioned my fall and I escaped mostly unharmed, but it was then that I realised that I was a fool in being so hasty and not accounting for my vastly increased mass. I decided to do some research and learn about constructing a hammock that can support my unprecedented body mass. After countless hours and a number of attempts, I would like to enlighten you on what I learned about the process of hammock building.

Choosing a Hammock

The first thing you need to procure before constructing a hammock is a comfortable and functional material. Cotton rope, or the tight cotton weave which is often used, is not actually ideal and I would suggest that you use polyester or ripstop nylon. These fabrics do not absorb water and are also easily packable, which make them ideal for a camping trip. With a hammock constructed from nylon you can rock away the blues even when the weather becomes stormy.

Size of a Hammock

Most hammocks come in the variation of single or double which allows you to make a choice as per requirement. Also, make a note of the size and weight limitations. This will give you the best idea of how the hammock will fit you and your lounging partner. The last thing you want is for the hammock to come to a tragic end while you are relaxing in it.

Attachment Points of a Hammock

Along with a hammock, you also need a stand for placing your hammock on. The stand is generally sold separately. Hammock stands come with the supplies necessary for attaching the hammock to the stand. Always consider the size of the hammock to ensure it will fit the hammock stand.

Camping hammocks require straps and hanging hardware. These accessories are used for attaching it to trees. Carabiner, hooks and durable rope or straps can all be used for securing these hammocks to trees. Specific hammock tree straps and attachment hardware can be purchased separately.

Hammock Positioning

Body positioning within the hammock is an important consideration. Some hammocks hold you differently than others; always keep this in mind before deciding on a hammock. In case you want to sit rather than lie down, you should look for a rope chair rather than a hammock. If you want to be completely cocooned, go for a camping hammock or a hammock constructed with material that bunches together at each end. For a bed like experience, you should go for a hammock with spreader bars. These bars are placed at each end and help in flattening out the hammock so it doesn't bunch and fold over you near the points of attachment.